Back to Classic Stories

The Queen of Hearts

Quick Answer

A classic nursery rhyme where the Queen of Hearts ‘makes some tarts’ and the Knave of Hearts steals them. It’s a tiny, dramatic mini-scene told in a bouncy rhyme.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s short, catchy, and ends with a clear consequence. Good for bedtime when you want something quick—and you can keep the tone playful rather than stern.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

3-7 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
honestyhonestyeasy to understandself-controleasy to understandconsequencesconsequencesself-controlclassic taleclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“The Queen of Hearts” is a traditional nursery rhyme that tells a little story in just a few lines: the Queen bakes tarts, the Knave steals them, and the King responds. It’s memorable because it feels like a tiny play—characters, action, and a punchy ending—wrapped in a sing-song rhythm children can chant. At bedtime, it works as a quick rhyme after a longer tale, and it can gently open a conversation about honesty and returning what isn’t ours.

Story Excerpt

The Queen of Hearts she made some tarts, All on a summer's day; The Knave of Hearts he stole those tarts, And took them clean away. The King of Hearts called for those tarts, And beat the Knave full sore. The Knave of Hearts brought back those tarts, And vowed he'd steal no more.

Unlock the Full Story

Subscribe to Miluna Family and unlock this story plus hundreds more.

  • Unlimited access to all bedtime stories
  • New stories added weekly
  • AI-personalized stories for your child
  • Ad-free, distraction-free reading
See Pricing

In One Glance

“The Queen of Hearts” is a short nursery rhyme with a clear mini-plot: the Queen makes tarts, the Knave steals them, and the King reacts. Its appeal is rhythm, repetition, and the feeling of a tiny story told quickly. It can be used at bedtime as a playful verse and a gentle honesty reminder.

Frequently Asked Questions

A rhyme where the Queen makes tarts and the Knave steals them, leading to consequences.

It can sound stern, but it’s usually recited playfully and very quickly.

Ages 3–7.

Honesty matters—when we take something, the best choice is to make it right.